I had a fever and was feeling tired. So, I bought a packet
of glucose and had it. I was still feeling weak. Worse, I felt shaky at times.
When I saw a doctor, he suggested I do a blood test. I was shocked to see the
results. My fasting blood glucose was 132 mg/dL. I never thought I would have
diabetes since I am thin and don’t actually use much sugar, except for the
occasional coke. The doctor said it was not necessary to start any medication
since the reading was not very high. He said I should make some lifestyle
changes. I stopped using refined sugar and became more active. The easiest
exercise is to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes after each meal. Some people say
diabetes is a progressive disease. Sooner or later you have to start on
medications and insulin injections. The thought disturbs me.
I started browsing the net for information about diabetes.
It was then that I came across the glycemic index. Certain food items increase
blood glucose more than others. I had to limit my carbohydrate intake. I
thought my food choices were limited. I bought a glucometer to monitor my blood
sugar. Initially, I had higher readings after breakfast. Readings
after lunch and dinner were not so high. I was also feeling uncomfortable in
the morning after breakfast and sometimes felt shaky. This continued for about
three months. I read that sugar is addictive and if you suddenly stop using it
you would get withdrawal symptoms. It may have been the case. Type 2 diabetes
can be due to insulin resistance or insulin insufficiency. Insulin resistance
is more in the morning.
I read about hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and their symptoms. The only symptoms of
hyperglycemia that I had were a dry mouth and a feeling of numbness in my limbs
one night. The shaky feeling was associated with low blood sugar and since I
was not on medication I could not really have low blood sugar. It was then that
I came across the word ‘false hypo’. That is, even if your blood sugar is at a
normal level you may have the symptoms of hypoglycemia. This happens if the
blood sugar drops from a high level to the normal level and the body thinks it
is too low. This is not dangerous and can be ignored.
Later, I read a letter written by an endocrinologist saying
that it was okay having something sweet to eat once in while. He claimed, if
you avoid sugar completely the pancreas will forget how to make insulin and
soon you will have to start on insulin injections. It seemed to make sense as
long as you monitor your blood sugar and keep it at a safe range.
Now, about five months later I am fine and eat almost
anything. I take vitamin supplements. I avoid refined sugar in my tea but do
have an occasional piece of cake or chocolate. I also started eating the fruits
that I avoided. I think moderation is the key.
